Commission releases annual Schengen report and sets priorities

The European Commission unveiled its latest report on the State of Schengen, offering insights into the achievements, challenges, and future objectives of the Schengen area. Renowned as the world’s largest free travel zone, Schengen remains pivotal in facilitating seamless movement for nearly 450 million individuals, thereby enhancing the European Union’s global competitiveness.

Despite facing various challenges, the Schengen area demonstrated resilience in the past year, maintaining its status as the world’s most visited destination. With over 10 million Schengen visas issued and passenger numbers surpassing half a billion, the region’s activity reached an impressive 92% of pre-pandemic levels. This sustained momentum significantly bolstered the EU’s economic vitality, with tourism contributing nearly 10% of the bloc’s GDP and employing over 22.6 million individuals.

The report delves into significant developments and initiatives undertaken during the previous cycle, and points to ways that enforcement gaps could be closed.

The adoption of new regulations, including the Schengen Borders Code and Advance Passenger Information Regulation, aimed at enhancing security and streamlining border procedures. Member States, in collaboration with the Schengen Coordinator, are urged to effectively implement these measures to phase out prolonged internal border controls.

Highlighting the heightened role of the Schengen Council in governance, the report underscores the utilization of tools like the Schengen Evaluation and Monitoring Mechanism and Schengen Barometer+ for data-driven decision-making. Efforts are underway to streamline data analysis in collaboration with EU agencies and Member States.

Progress has been made in incorporating Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen area, with controls lifted at air and sea borders. Further steps are necessary for the removal of checks at internal land borders.

Additionally, the report underscores advancements in implementing alternative measures to internal border controls, promoting cross-border police cooperation, and sharing best practices among Member States.

The Commission’s proposals for the upcoming cycle aim to address challenges identified in the Schengen evaluation, focusing on improving border control quality, enhancing return capacities, maximizing the use of the Schengen Information System, and facilitating cross-border information exchange.

Looking ahead, the Schengen Council, scheduled for 13-14 June, will deliberate on the 2024 report and consider the Commission’s recommendations to fortify the Schengen area’s resilience and security. Since its inception in 2022, the annual State of Schengen reports signify the Commission’s commitment to strengthening Schengen governance and fostering a unified response to evolving challenges.